He added that it’s an “example of how ill-conceived parts of this program are” in an apparent reference to the Affordable Care Act.

Rail as Republicans, some Democrats and device lobby groups like AdvaMed and Medical Device Manufacturers Association have against the tax, the dynamics in Washington, D.C. haven’t shifted.

The device tax appears to be here to stay and Republicans like Cheney are bound to attack it.even though attention has shifted to the embarrassing debut of the healthcare.gov web site.

But what is surprising is that Cheney did not take this opportunity to slam Obamacare as a whole. The former vice president, who reportedly has an implanted defibrillator, pacemaker, stents and undergone major procedures such as a full heart transplant to battle heart disease told the audience the importance of health insurance.

There was a time in my life when I was about 23, shortly before we got married when I was sick, hospitalized and uninsured. I spent our honeymoon money on medical bills. Later on, I learned that I needed health insurance.

No other simple yet powerful defense of Obamacare may be possible, Democrat or Republican.

Arundhati:
I read your article "Dick Cheney appears to defend obamacare's core purpose". It looks like you are satisfied to promote your agenda with flimsy work. Shame on you and your editor.
You need to do a little homework on Mr. Cheney's position and not stretch one sentence.
In fact, Mr. Cheney has been very outspoken against The Affordable Care Act. Said Mr. Cheney on OCT 21:"ObamaCare is a disaster".
He went on to say, "His (President Obama's) medical device tax and his whole program basically works against those factors that are in the current system to make it work. I am not a fan." He concluded the interview with: "...ObamaCare’s going to do more damage than it is good."
Mr. Cheney's remarks in favor of health insurance which you cite as support are actually a further indictment of Obamacare's core purpose, not a defense.
Happy to educate you on the subject -- just call.
/andrew